Gary Charles Johnson

We celebrate the life and memory of Gary Charles Johnson, of Browerville, on Friday, September 22nd at 11:00 a.m. at Christ the King Catholic Church with visitation from 9-11 a.m.

84 years of running this incredible race we call life came to an end for Gary on Saturday, August 26th, 2023, at 3:33 a.m. in his favorite place of all time; his home out in the country where he lived for 60 years. While crossing that last finish line, he was continuously surrounded by much talking, singing, laughter, tears, and most importantly, love.

Born to Gordon and Bernice in December of 1938, Gary was a natural go-getter and very persistent with what he wanted out of life. One of his wisest decisions was proposing to a beautiful country gal named Diane, after just their fourth date together. Although she may have thrown that ring at him a time or two, she was the love of his life, and they continued to model what marriage vows truly look like to their family and friends for 61 years.

Gary never gave up. Finding the perfect fishing spots or “honey holes” may have taken all day but rest assured, he was not going home without catching a limit. Hunting was almost the same, as there was hardly ever a year that he didn’t have a deer (or five) to brag about or cause half of the hunting crew to help track down.

Gary was a very ambitious guy who tried various career paths, never being afraid to try something new. A few of those careers included managing the office at the milk plant in town, being a loan officer at the bank in Clarissa, and farming the land where he raised his family with his wife, Diane. That adventurous trait has been passed down to the generations below him as well. He lived life very full and took great pride in being a dad, grandpa, and great grandpa.

Gary also loved having coffee while catching up on the small-town news, singing in the church choir, taking long walks along the countryside, golfing, and watching countless football games. If there was a good song on, you better believe he would be out dancing to it no matter where he was.

To keep his memories alive, he left behind in this race of life his loving wife, Diane, of 61 years; Children Kim Kaluza (Kerry), Mark Johnson, and Paul Johnson (Kelly); Grandchildren Derek Johnson (Kim), Megan May (Jake), Kenley Johnson, and Benton Johnson; Great Grandchildren Jaida, Acen, Lennon, and Maren May, and Baby Johnson (due in January); and a host of extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Meeting him at the finish line were his parents, parents-in-law, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

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